Actual Variables

An Actual Variable represents a real, measured value coming directly from a device — a sensor reading, a meter value, or any raw telemetry point. This is the most common variable type used for live monitoring.

Creating an Actual Variable

1. From the top bar, click Admin.
2. Click Devices.
3. Select the specific device.
4. Click New Variable.
5. Choose Actual.

Then fill in:

Field	Description
Name/Label	A descriptive name or label for the variable (e.g. Users or Current).
Variable ID	A unique identifier for the variable. No spaces — letters and numbers only.
Data Type	The data type for the variable — Float/Number, Text, Boolean, or Increment Number.
Unit	The unit for the measured value (e.g. °C, kg).
Description	A description for the variable.
Pre Save Transformation Formula	A transformation formula applied before saving the value. Use $value to refer to the raw incoming value in the expression.
Decimal Precision	The number of decimal places to round the value to.
Widget Color	The color used to represent this variable in dashboard widgets.
Tags	Relevant tags for this variable.

Notes

• The Pre Save Transformation Formula is useful for unit conversions or simple corrections — for example, converting a raw sensor value from millivolts to a calibrated engineering unit before it’s stored.
• Widget Color is used as the default color wherever this variable appears in charts and widgets, keeping it visually consistent across dashboards.